WHEN Mark Regan quit the England rugby team three years ago he slammed the door behind him so hard it almost came off its hinges.

Furious at being dropped from first to third-choice hooker when he felt he deserved to start, he blew his top and retired on the spot.

On Tuesday 'Ronnie' was lured out of international retirement, like fellow World Cup winners Lawrence Dallaglio and Jason Robinson before him, by the prospect of another England shirt.

Twelve years after making his debut against South Africa, he not only finds him in line to play the Springboks again this month, but in with a decent chance of another World Cup thanks to Steve Thompson's retirement and Dylan Hartley's ban.

"I didn't think I'd ever play for England again," admitted Regan. "But I've got another chance and I'm thrilled to bits. The management have shown faith in me and I won't let them down.

"I was upset to be dropped the way I was. I had been playing well and someone who hadn't been got the nod ahead of me. I'm not disappointed I did what I did. I don't regret it. I've got a lot still to offer and I think my form this season justifies my selection."

Regan is one of three Bristol forwards, all over 30, to be included in Brian Ashton's 30-man squad for the two-Test series. Darren Crompton, 34, and Roy Winters, 31, also make the trip but Regan is the senior citizen at 35.

.ENGLAND wing Dave Strettle was last night voted Professional Rugby Players' Association Young Player of the Year, while Saracens fly-half Glen Jackson picked up the Players' Player of the Year award.